Peroneal artery-vein index as a potential factor of thrombosis occurrence in free osteocutaneous fibula flap

BackgroundDespite high popularity and great success rates of free osteocutaneous fibula flaps, the flap failure caused by vascular thrombosis is still a challenging problem.The authors present their evaluation of a potential thrombosis risk factor – a peroneal artery-vein index.MethodsThe authors evaluated the diameters of peroneal vessels and peroneal artery-vein indexes based on the computed tomography angiographies in 10 patients who underwent a mandible reconstruction with a free fibula flap and compared the results with clinical outcome.ResultsIn one case the flap was lost, because of thrombosis in the donor vein. This patient presented superficial varicose veins of both lower extremities. Peroneal vein diameters in this patient ranged from 5,05 mm to 6,68 mm and were higher than in patients without complications. The peroneal artery-vein index in the patient with thrombosis ranged from 0,37 to 0,50 with median 0,40 and was lower than in patients without complications.ConclusionsHigh disproportion between peroneal artery and concomitant veins might be a potential risk factor of the occurrence of venal thrombosis. Detailed perioperative examination of peroneal veins in patients with varicosities should be considered.